During his 98-plus years of life, Robert Bruce Wright served his country as a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and through his various community service endeavors.
Mr. Wright, the widower of Mae Bess Wright, died Sunday (Feb. 13) at the Memphis VA Medical Center after a short illness.
Mr. Wright grew up in the Douglass Park neighborhood. The family’s house was at the corner of Chelsea and Orr.
He always had an interesting story to tell and was adept at turning a phrase.
He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1985 after 37 years of service. He was a founder and a past president of the Retired Mail Handlers Local 329.
During his postal career, Mr. Wright was recognized several times for his work, including being recognized for “Superior Accomplishment in recognition of Notable Performance.”
He was a former Juvenile Court auxiliary probation officer, where he was honored for his leadership in 1979 and was named division chief of the year in 1983.
Mr. Wright was active in Catholic service organizations.
While a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, he was fourth-degree member of the Knights of Peter Claver. He was a past Grand Knight of the organization and a past Central District deputy for the K of PC.
Later, he was a fourth-degree member of Knights of Columbus. He was a past Grand Knight of Council 4312 and a Past Faithful Navigator of Fourth Degree Assembly 1082. He also served as the council’s treasurer and recorder.
Mr. Wright leaves a son, Jerome Wright of Memphis; a daughter, Rosalind Holman of York, Pennsylvania; five granddaughters and two great-granddaughters.
The Mass of Christian Burial is noon Thursday, Feb. 24, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 1169 Kerr. Visitation will 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the church, followed by a Rosary service at 11:30 a.m.
R.S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home has charge (901-526-3264). COVID-19 restrictions will be in place.
